Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer Job Description The Mechanical Engineer will lead efforts to improve and redesign manufacturing methods, retrofit and specify equipment, and develop custom quality gage designs that support both new and legacy products. This role works cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, design, and IT teams to deliver practical, hands-on solutions that enhance quality, productivity, safety, and ergonomics across the facility. Responsibilities * Lead and guide efforts to redesign existing manufacturing methods to improve quality, efficiency, and safety. * Retrofit existing equipment to meet updated process, quality, and ergonomic requirements. * Assist in the specification, selection, and implementation of new manufacturing equipment and capital projects. * Create and develop custom quality gage designs to support robust measurement and inspection processes. * Apply mechanical engineering principles to optimize manufacturing processes and line layouts. * Use 3D CAD tools to design equipment, tooling, fixtures, and gages that support production needs. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, design, and IT, to deliver integrated solutions. * Support both new product introductions and legacy product lines with process and equipment improvements. * Contribute to plant layout and line layout efforts to enhance flow, productivity, and ergonomics. * Incorporate dimensional engineering and tolerance analysis into designs to ensure manufacturability and product quality. * Participate in or support process FMEA activities to identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing processes. * Support the creation and improvement of work instructions, process documents, and quality systems. * Engage in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process improvement, waste reduction, and throughput gains. * Work hands-on with the manufacturing team and production floor to troubleshoot issues and implement practical solutions. * Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to present ideas, progress, and results. Essential Skills * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline. * At least 2 years of related mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. * At least 2 years of experience with 3D CAD modeling. * Experience with dimensional engineering and tolerance analysis. * Demonstrated experience in process improvement and manufacturing process optimization. * Mechanical engineering and process engineering skills applied in a production environment. * Ability to perform equipment design and support capital equipment and capital project activities. * Proficiency with 3D design tools such as AutoCAD Inventor or SolidWorks (or similar). * Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Design for manufacturing experience, with a focus on practical, producible designs. * Familiarity with process FMEA analyses and risk mitigation in manufacturing processes. * Skill in the creation of quality systems and gage system design. * Experience creating and working with work instructions and process documents. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment with strong people skills. * Quick learner with a high level of ambition, initiative, and drive. * Hands-on practical manufacturing experience on the production floor. * Experience with continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing context. * Exposure to or experience with plant layout and line layout optimization. * Fenestration industry experience is a plus. Work Environment The role operates primarily in an office setting with frequent interaction on the production floor and with the manufacturing team. You will work cross-functionally with colleagues in manufacturing, quality, design, and IT as part of a highly collaborative, hands-on environment focused on continuous improvement. The position supports both new product introductions and legacy product lines and is part of a transformative, high-priority initiative impacting multiple departments. The schedule offers strong work-life balance and a very flexible arrangement, while the day-to-day work involves close engagement with equipment, processes, and teams in an active manufacturing facility. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dubuque, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Dubuque,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 19, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.